For one detector to cover parks, fields, beaches and shallow water, the Minelab EQUINOX 900 is the strongest all-round pick in this group. The Nokta Legend and Legend 2 are value-oriented simultaneous multi-frequency alternatives; the Nokta Simplex+ is a simpler entry-level option for tighter budgets.
Compare the three detectors
| Detector | Frequency approach | Waterproofing | Notable specifications | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab EQUINOX 900 | Simultaneous Multi-IQ, or one of six selectable frequencies: 4, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 40 kHz | IP68, to 5 m (16 ft), according to Minelab’s current product page | Four modes (Park, Field, Beach and Gold); 119 target-ID segments; 1.2 kg (2.8 lb); included 11-inch and 6-inch coils; built-in rechargeable battery; 3-year warranty | A single detector for varied terrain and shallow-water use |
| Nokta Legend / Legend 2 | Simultaneous multi-frequency | Not stated in the cited 2026 comparison coverage | Exact specifications, included accessories and warranty are not stated in the cited comparison coverage | Buyers comparing a value-oriented multi-frequency machine with the EQUINOX 900 |
| Nokta Simplex+ | Single-frequency, 12 kHz VLF | Waterproof; maximum depth is not stated in the cited 2026 buying table | Additional specifications, included accessories and warranty are not stated in the cited 2026 buying table | Beginners and buyers prioritizing an entry-level option |
The EQUINOX specifications above come from Minelab’s current product page. The Legend comparisons are described in current comparison coverage; the Simplex+ classification comes from a 2026 buying table. Confirm the exact regional model and bundle details with the seller before buying, particularly if you plan to submerge a detector.
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Choose by where and what you detect
Beaches and shallow water
For beach use, prioritize stable operation on wet sand and a waterproof rating suited to the depth where you intend to search. The EQUINOX 900 has a stated IP68 rating to 5 m, making its depth limit clear; the cited information does not establish a comparable maximum depth for the other two options. A waterproof label alone is not enough to assume a particular model is safe to submerge: verify the exact version’s rating and the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Parks and fields
Target separation and recovery speed matter when desirable targets are close to unwanted metal. Ground balance and noise cancellation are also relevant controls to compare for the ground and interference conditions you encounter. The EQUINOX 900 includes adjustable recovery speed, tracking ground balance, and automatic, manual and continuous noise cancellation. The available comparison information does not establish equivalent settings or measurements for the Legend models or Simplex+.
#1 Best Overall
- Find Your Target Efficiently: Featuring 2 operational modes, GoGonova metal detector are designed to help you effectively find your desired treasure. All Metal Mode - the metal detector for adults notifies you whenever it sees any metal. Disc Mode - you can utilize this metal detectors to discriminate against other types of metal for a specific one. And you can simply eliminate the metal you don't want through Discrimination Mode.
- Adjustable & Humanity Design: Metal detectors from 39.3 inch to 51.3 inch adjustable stem, is a metal detector for kids ages 8-12 as well as adults, allowing your juniors to join the hunt with you! Save more effort with the armrest design, which makes you more comfortable and less stressful. Kid's metal detectors are easy to use and get started. It only needs a minute to assemble, easily enjoy the fun of exploration and treasure hunting.
- Intuitive Large LCD Display: User-friendly interface specifically developed and designed for beginners. This gold detector features with LCD panel and backlight function enabling easy treasure hunting even in dim light or nighttime conditions. More multiple settings for customization display modes to easily identify the type of metals you are detecting with digital image and sound.
- IP68 Waterproof Search Coil: GoGonova kids metal detector with an 8" powerful coil and an advanced smart chip can detect underground metal 8" deep. As you know, the bigger the search coil is, the higher the sensitivity, making your detection more efficient and time-saving. IP68 waterproof metal detector allows you to use the detector underwater for beach, creek, yard, and other outdoor treasure hunting. (Note: The control box is not waterproof.)
- Complete Metal Detector Kit: Metal detector kit includes a detection carry bag, Multi-functional shovel, anti-noise earphones, and 2 9V free high-capacity batteries. Note: The shovel is suitable for soft material or sand, but not recommended for hard material OR firm places. An excellent choice for travel, vacation, camping, and outings, enhancing the fun. Go explore with GoGonova.
Gold, coins and relics
Match the detector to the kind of searching you actually plan to do rather than treating one frequency or mode as universally best. The EQUINOX 900 provides Park, Field, Beach and Gold modes, along with selectable single frequencies and simultaneous Multi-IQ. If gold prospecting is your priority, check the controls and operating guidance for your intended ground conditions; the cited specifications do not establish a head-to-head performance result for these detectors on gold.
What simultaneous multi-frequency changes
A simultaneous multi-frequency detector uses multiple frequencies during the same search rather than requiring the user to choose only one operating frequency. Minelab describes its Multi-IQ system as “the power of multiple detectors working for you at the same time.” The EQUINOX 900 also lets the user select individual frequencies, which can be useful when a specific search setup calls for one frequency.
Rank #2
- FIND BURIED TREASURE – This metal detector kit is the perfect tool for a treasure-hunting expedition! The 7.4" dual coil is waterproof up to 4" and can detect objects up to 4" deep. It's perfect as a beach metal detector!
- EASY TO USE – Simple operation makes it easy for kids to start treasure hunting! Just turn it on and start searching, and when a metal object is detected, LED and audio alerts will let them know to look further!
- DESIGNED FOR KIDS – Kids can find the perfect fit with the adjustable arm length, while the comfort grip makes it easy for young treasure hunters to use for hours. Weighing just 1.2 pounds, kids can spend the whole day detecting!
- METAL DETECTOR ACCESSORIES INCLUDED - A heavy-duty trowel is included that makes digging up hidden treasure super easy! With the detailed, full-color Learning Guide, kids can learn about the history of metal detecting and more!
- HIGH-QUALITY EDUCATIONAL TOYS - We're proud to make the highest quality hands-on science toys, and all our products are backed by exceptional service. If your experience is less than stellar, let us know and we'll make things right!
The Legend and Legend 2 are also identified as simultaneous multi-frequency choices in comparison coverage. By contrast, the Simplex+ is listed as a 12 kHz VLF detector. These categories help distinguish the machines, but they do not by themselves prove which detector will find more targets: terrain, settings, coil choice and the target all affect a search.
Recommended Free Tools
Account for handling and the complete kit
Weight and ergonomics affect how comfortable a detector is over a long search. Minelab lists the EQUINOX 900 at 1.2 kg (2.8 lb); comparable weights and detailed shaft specifications for the Legend models and Simplex+ are not established in the cited material. If possible, assess the assembled detector’s balance and grip before committing to long sessions.
Rank #3
- [Adjustable & Ergonomic Design for All Ages] 🗺️ BOXTREN 10-inch metal detector featuring a unique dual-adjustable system with a 23" to 35" telescopic stem and a 5.9" to 11.8" adjustable armrest. This "humanity design" ensures a perfect fit for both adults and teenager s (ages 12-19), reducing arm fatigue during long hunts. Whether it's a family outing or a solo professional trek, its 1-minute quick assembly lets you start your treasure hunt instantly.
- [Next-Gen US DSP Chip for 40% Higher Accuracy]🗺️ Engineered with an upgraded 3rd-Gen US DSP Chip, our gold detector delivers 40% higher precision and rock-solid stability. This advanced technology provides real-time feedback and ultra-fast processing, ensuring you never miss a target even when scanning quickly. Locate treasures buried up to 12 inches deep with confidence and pinpoint accuracy.
- [4 Professional Modes & Intuitive Backlit LCD] 🗺️ Navigate 4 upgraded detection modes (All Metal, Notch, Memory, and Pinpoint) to efficiently filter out "junk" and focus on coins, relics, or gold. The large, user-friendly LCD screen features a built-in backlight, allowing for seamless exploration in dim light or nighttime. Perfect for beginners who want professional-grade results with an easy-to-read interface.
- [10-INCH Large Coil IP68 Waterproof for All-Terrain Discovery] 🗺️The IP68 waterproof search coil allows you to expand your search to beaches, shallow rivers, and even rainy days. The oversized coil covers more ground per scan, increasing your efficiency. (Note: The control box is not waterproof). Explore the shoreline or the backyard without limitations—wherever treasure hides, this detector finds it.
- [Complete All-in-One Adventure Kit] 🗺️Get everything you need in one box! Our premium kit includes high-quality headphones, a heavy-duty foldable shovel, 2 batteries, and a rugged carrying bag. It’s the ultimate gift for Father’s Day, birthdays, or anniversaries. Enjoy peace of mind with our dedicated 24-hour customer support and comprehensive warranty assistance.
Budget for recovery equipment as well as the detector. A pinpointer helps narrow down a target once the main detector has located it, and suitable digging tools help recover it. Experienced detectorists carry these because the detector locates a target but does not recover it, as noted in a 2026 EQUINOX 900 review. Headphones, a finds pouch, coil cover or spare coil can be useful additions, but check compatibility with the model and bundle you buy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Precise & Stable Target Detection: Powered by an upgraded large search coil and advanced DSP chip, this metal detector delivers 40% higher detection accuracy with outstanding stability. The expanded coil covers more ground for faster scanning, and it will not lose targets even during fast sweeping. It accurately locates quarter‑sized metal items buried as deep as 12 inches underground, offering trustworthy performance for serious treasure‑hunting hobbyists.
- Multi‑Scene Custom Search Modes: 5 practical search modes meet diverse prospecting demands. All‑Metal Mode conducts full‑range detection; Disc Mode filters unwanted junk metals; Memory Mode locks signals of specific metals; Jewelry Mode targets high‑purity gold & silver, low‑purity alloys may get weak signals; Pinpoint Mode enables fast, precise positioning. Freely switch modes to cut ineffective searching and greatly boost your overall working efficiency.
- User‑Friendly Build for Quick Setup: Thanks to the upgraded collapsible cam‑lock and screw‑free search head, assembly finishes in seconds. It features a 2X larger backlit screen for clear readouts, soft silicone buttons and padded elbow support for comfortable fatigue‑free one‑hand operation. Built‑in power‑on memory saves your custom settings, so you won’t need to re‑adjust parameters every time you start the machine.
- All‑In‑One Outdoor Prospecting Package: This complete treasure‑hunting bundle includes all outdoor essentials. You get 2 ready‑to‑use batteries, a large‑capacity backpack for easy transport, volume‑adjustable over‑ear headphones for clear signal reception, a tough manganese‑steel digger for labor‑saving excavation, plus a detailed user manual to guide beginners through every operation step.
- IP68 Submersible Coil & Flexible Fit: The search coil reaches IP68 waterproof rating for treasure hunting on beaches, shallow water and in various weather conditions. Note: The control console is NOT waterproof. With 5‑level sensitivity and a telescopic stem adjustable from 21‑53 inches, it fits adults and kids of different heights perfectly. Grab it and share joyful outdoor adventure time with your whole family.
Rank #4
- Find Your Target Efficiently: Featuring 2 operational modes, GoGonova metal detector are designed to help you effectively find your desired treasure. All Metal Mode - the metal detector for adults notifies you whenever it sees any metal. Disc Mode - you can utilize this metal detectors to discriminate against other types of metal for a specific one. And you can simply eliminate the metal you don't want through Discrimination Mode.
- Adjustable & Humanity Design: Metal detectors from 39.3 inch to 51.3 inch adjustable stem, is a metal detector for kids ages 8-12 as well as adults, allowing your juniors to join the hunt with you! Save more effort with the armrest design, which makes you more comfortable and less stressful. Kid's metal detectors are easy to use and get started. It only needs a minute to assemble, easily enjoy the fun of exploration and treasure hunting.
- Intuitive Large LCD Display: User-friendly interface specifically developed and designed for beginners. This gold detector features with LCD panel and backlight function enabling easy treasure hunting even in dim light or nighttime conditions. More multiple settings for customization display modes to easily identify the type of metals you are detecting with digital image and sound.
- IP68 Waterproof Search Coil: GoGonova kids metal detector with an 8" powerful coil and an advanced smart chip can detect underground metal 8" deep. As you know, the bigger the search coil is, the higher the sensitivity, making your detection more efficient and time-saving. IP68 waterproof metal detector allows you to use the detector underwater for beach, creek, yard, and other outdoor treasure hunting. (Note: The control box is not waterproof.)
- Complete Metal Detector Kit: Metal detector kit includes a detection carry bag, Multi-functional shovel, anti-noise earphones, and 2 9V free high-capacity batteries. Note: The shovel is suitable for soft material or sand, but not recommended for hard material OR firm places. An excellent choice for travel, vacation, camping, and outings, enhancing the fun. Go explore with GoGonova.
Buying checklist
- Choose the terrain and target types you expect to search most often.
- For wet sand or submersion, verify the exact model’s waterproof depth and manufacturer guidance.
- Compare frequency approach, target-ID detail, recovery-speed controls, ground balance and noise cancellation against your needs.
- Check assembled weight, balance, included coils, warranty and bundle contents for the specific regional model.
- Include a pinpointer and recovery tools in your total equipment budget.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
